Nursing & Healthcare Programs

Moving the Resident from a Bed to a Stretcher or Gurney

Written by Hollie Finders, RN
Hollie Finders is a registered nurse with years of experience working in the health care field. She has degrees in both biochemistry and nursing. After working with patients of all ages, Hollie now specializes in pediatric intensive care nursing. Hollie’s LinkedIn

Procedure

Equipment needed: 2-3 coworkers, bath blanket, stretcher or gurney

  1. Perform hand hygiene.
  2. Explain the procedure to the patient and ask for his or her assistance in following directions.
  3. Lock the bed wheels and raise the bed to a comfortable working height.
  4. Lower the head of the bed until flat. Lower the side rail on the working side.
  5. Cover the patient with a bath blanket and remove the patient’s top sheets.
  6. Loosen the bottom sheet from underneath the patient. Roll the bottom sheet towards the patient.
  7. Align the stretcher next to the patient’s bed. Ensure the side rails are down, the wheels are locked, and that the height of the stretcher matches that of the bed.
  8. Have a coworker or two lower the side rail on the other side of the bed, loosen the bottom sheet, and roll it towards the patient.
  9. Instruct the patient to cross his or her arms across the chest. Ensure the patient is ready for the transfer and inform the patient when it will happen.
  10. With a coworker joining you on your side, reach over the stretcher and grab the roll of sheets. Have the coworkers on the other side of the bed grab the roll of sheets on their side.
  11. On the count of three, have everyone gently lift and slide the patient onto the stretcher. Use proper body mechanics to avoid injury.
  12. Raise the side rails on the stretcher.
  13. Unlock the stretcher’s wheels and transport the patient to the desired destination with the assistance of another coworker. Do not leave the patient alone in the stretcher.

Important Information

Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher can pose huge safety risks to both the patient and to the health care workers completing the transfer. Always use the appropriate amount of people to complete a transfer, which may vary according to the patient’s weight and/or the facility’s policy. In some cases, a mechanical lift may be needed [1]. Before moving the patient, always ensure that the transfer can occur in one fluid motion. For instance, make certain that there is enough slack on a patient’s oxygen tubing or IV lines to avoid injuring the patient or damaging the equipment.

References

  1. Guidelines for Nursing Homes

More Resources

Moving the Resident to the Side of the Bed

Residents are usually kept in the center of the bed for safety reasons. However, moving a resident to the side of the bed is an important step to take before turning a resident onto his or her side. Performing this action allows the resident to end up side lying in the center of the bed and not smashed up against the side rail.

Measuring the Apical Pulse

The apical pulse rate is the most accurate non-invasive measurement of heart rate because it is measured directly over the apex of the heart. Apical pulse is preferred in cases when the radial pulse is difficult to palpate, when the pulse is irregular, greater than 100 beats per minute, or less than 60 beats per minute when measured by other means (electronic, radial, etc.).

Collecting a Stool Specimen

Stool specimens are collected to test for a variety of disorders from colon cancer to parasites. While it is not the most pleasant job, it is important that the collection is done correctly for accurate results.

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich Maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is used to remove an object that is blocking a resident’s airway and preventing air from reaching the lungs. It only takes four to six minutes for brain damage to occur from lack of oxygen, so prompt action is vital.

Nail Care (Fingers and Toes) for CNAs

Nail care of both the feet and the hands should be performed as part of the patient’s daily hygiene routine. The status of the patient’s nails can reflect their overall health. Nail issues can also lead to infection that can spread systemically (ex, ingrown nails or fungus). You should never clip a patient’s nails with nail clippers, and always review your institution’s policy about what nail care is allowed.

Performing Ostomy Care

Residents who have had a portion of their intestines removed due to illness or trauma may have a temporary or permanent ostomy, which is an opening in the abdomen that is created for the elimination of urine or feces. The portion of the intestine that is connected to the abdominal wall and is visible is called the stoma. A pouch is placed over the stoma to collect feces.